Pitru Paksha Shraddh Pitru Kalyan Shwan Bali Seva (Seva to Dogs)
🔱 Shyama and Shabala - The Two Dogs of Yama
Rigveda is among the oldest scriptures to describe Yama's two dogs - four-eyed messengers who guard the path of the departed. Shyama, dark and black, is linked with the southern direction, the direction of Yama and the ancestral realm, the direction all Pitru rituals face. Shabala, spotted and brindled, stands at the other boundary. Their four eyes are not a physical description, they are the tradition's way of saying these beings see what living eyes cannot, perceiving the boundary between the mortal world and Yama's domain with complete clarity.
In Puranic tradition, dogs are believed to perceive this boundary naturally, to sense what lies beyond the visible world. Shwanbali honours that perception. It is one of the five prescribed Balis within the Parvana Shraddha tradition, offered so that the beings who stand at the threshold of Yama's path receive your Seva before your ancestor crosses it, ensuring the crossing is guided and accompanied rather than solitary.
🔱 Why Gaya Ji Carries This Seva Furthest
Gaya is the supreme Pitru Teerth, the ground where Vishnu pressed Gayasur beneath his divine lotus feet and liberation followed. Puranic tradition associates Gaya Shraddh with liberation extending across seven generations, and Gaya Seva seeks Pitru Tripti for all ancestors irrespective of what state they are in. Shwanbali performed here does not merely honour the guardians of Yama's path.
Through Sri Mandir, Shwan Bali Seva is performed at Gaya Ji during Pitru Paksha, in your name. A video reaches you within 24–48 hours.
This booking is a collective act of service, made meaningful by everyone who participates. It is a shared contribution, and not an individual offering that comes together for a higher purpose. Through this collective offering, we are able to carry this sacred initiative forward and reach many more people.
We are a for-profit technology company that offers services to facilitate the collection and distribution of voluntary donations to temples and / or registered charitable organizations (NGOs, Section 8 Companies, and Trusts). We charge a small service/processing fee (if applicable), and all transactions are fully transparent. Our role is limited to enabling secure and transparent transactions between donors and recipient organizations.
We do not represent ourselves as a charitable trust, religious endowment, or not-for-profit organization unless otherwise specified and registered under applicable laws. Tax exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 are only applicable where the recipient NGO holds a valid 80G certificate and has issued a receipt to that effect. We do not guarantee any tax benefit unless explicitly mentioned. By using our platform, you acknowledge that your contribution is voluntary, and you are solely responsible for confirming the legal, tax, and financial implications of your donation.
Mahaseva is a very virtuous and fruitful donation, which has been mentioned repeatedly in the Vedas and Puranas. When a person performs the highest acts like food, clothing and grains with devotion and selflessness, it is called Mahaseva. This donation not only destroys the sins of the donor, but also satisfies the ancestors, gods and sages and liberates him from the bondage of karma of many births!
The Garuda Purana clearly states that ancestors reside in Pitru Loka in a “vayu-rupa” (air-like form) and return to their descendants during Pitru Paksha. The ancestors are said to reside in Chandraloka, and during Pitru Paksha, the distance between Earth and the Moon is at its shortest, both scientifically and spiritually. On Purnima, when the Moon is full, the ancestors are believed to be at their most active and receptive. This is the science of Shradh - when a descendant remembers their ancestors with a Sankalp in their name, the invitation is believed to reach that soul.
Every human being is born with five debts, among which Pitru Rin is considered the greatest. If it is not fulfilled through Shraddha and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha, it gradually takes the form of “Pitru Dosha.” To a greater or lesser extent, everyone carries some form of Pitru Rin in their life. However, in families that regularly perform Pitru rituals, this Dosha is believed to remain inactive. In families that have not performed Shraddha for several generations, this Dosha is believed to become more prominent.
After booking, you will receive updates via WhatsApp. Additionally, you can check the complete details of your service in the "Chadhava Bookings" section of the Sri Mandir App.
Yes, absolutely. It is a major misconception that only men can perform Shraddha. The Ramayana provides an example: when Rama and Lakshmana went to collect the required materials, Mata Sita performed Pind Daan for King Dasharatha alone on the banks of the Phalgu River. This Shraddha was so powerful that Rama’s Sankalp letter became a witness. The verse “Ye ke chasmatkule jata aputta gotravighrahah” clearly indicates that even in the absence of a son, a daughter or any descendant can perform Shraddha.
Yes! Shraddha is not performed only for deceased parents — it can also be performed for grandparents, maternal grandparents, great-grandparents, and any departed ancestor of the family. Even if all three generations are alive, their ancestors (such as great-grandparents) may still be awaiting Shraddha. The Sankalp during Pitru Paksha is always made for “all the ancestors of the lineage.”
Pitru rituals, Tarpan, and Shraddha can be performed throughout the year, but their spiritual significance during Pitru Paksha is believed to be thousands of times greater. The reason is that during this fortnight, ancestors are believed to come closer to Earth, allowing offerings to reach them more directly and immediately. Just as there is a difference between making a phone call and speaking to someone face-to-face, Shraddha during Pitru Paksha is like speaking to them face-to-face. The Markandeya Purana states that Tarpan performed during Pitru Paksha keeps the ancestors satisfied throughout the year.
Yes, the scriptures give clear permission for this. The list of people for whom Shraddha may be performed at Gokarna includes a teacher, disciple, friend, father-in-law, brother-in-law, maternal uncle, brother, and sister. “Atmiya Jana” — those who were dear to you and whose passing brought you grief — may also be honoured through Shraddha. During Pitru Paksha, take a special Sankalp in their name and perform the rituals for the peace of their soul. There is no limit to love, and Shraddha is considered its highest expression.
If you face any issues with your Service, you can contact our Sri Mandir customer service team at 📞918296948051, who are always ready to assist you.